Snake handler dies after being bitten by snake in South Africa
A celebrity Youtuber dubbed South Africa's Steve Irwin has died after he was bitten by a venomous snake.
Snake handler Graham ‘Dingo’ Dinkelman died last Saturday after complications from a cobra bite, MailOnline reports.
The father-of-three, from Pietermaritzburg, was bitten by the snake around a month ago and went into anaphylactic shock after he had an allergic reaction to the venom.
Dingo’s YouTube channel is filled with videos of him handling dangerous reptiles including cobras, black mambas, vipers, pythons and crocodiles.
His wife Kirsty said he went into an induced coma while being treated in an in intensive care hospital unit.
While under heavy sedatives it was hoped that his body would recover but Kirsty later confirmed the tragic news about his death.
Tributes have been pouring in for Dingo, with his wife Kirsty saying: ‘Dingo fought incredibly hard throughout this very difficult period.
‘We know that he was fighting to be here with us and we are so grateful for this.
‘Sadly, despite his strength and resilience, my beloved husband passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his family.’
Kirsty thanked well-wishers for their support and said: ‘Today [Saturday] is one month since the incident, and we have experienced such comfort and love from your messages and prayers from all over the world.’
Dingo grew popular for his daring rescues of dangerous reptiles and had amassed more than 100,000 YouTube subscribers and over 600,000 Instagram fans.
